10+ Pasta Noodle Recipes for Delicious Home-Cooked Meals

Pasta is a versatile dish that many people love. You can easily find ways to create delicious meals for any occasion with so many noodle recipes available. Whether you prefer classic sauces, stuffed noodles, or inventive creations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Cooking with pasta allows you to explore a variety of flavors and textures. You can mix and match ingredients to create dishes that satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends.

From comforting baked pasta to quick weeknight meals, getting creative with noodles opens the door to endless possibilities.

Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that is both simple and delicious. It features a creamy sauce made with eggs, cheese, and crispy pork. The key is to combine the hot pasta with the egg mixture quickly.

Start by cooking your spaghetti until it’s firm, often called “al dente.” You’ll want to reserve some pasta water for later.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the pork until it’s crispy. You can use guanciale or pancetta for the best flavor.

To make the sauce, beat eggs with Parmesan cheese in a bowl. When the pasta is ready, mix it in the pan with the crispy pork.

Then, off the heat, add the egg and cheese mixture, stirring quickly. The heat from the pasta will create a creamy sauce.

Ingredients

• 400g (14 oz) spaghetti
• 150g (5 oz) guanciale or pancetta
• 3 large eggs
• 100g (1 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente.
2. In a pan, cook the guanciale or pancetta until crispy.
3. Beat the eggs and mix them with Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the meat.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the egg mixture quickly, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

2) Penne Arrabbiata

Penne Arrabbiata is a delicious and spicy Italian pasta dish that you can easily prepare at home. The name “arrabbiata” means “angry” in Italian, likely referring to the heat from the red pepper flakes.

To make this dish, you’ll start with high-quality penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.

While the pasta cooks, heat extra virgin olive oil in a skillet. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, letting them sizzle for a few seconds.

Next, mix in canned tomatoes and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.

Once your pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a little of the pasta cooking water if needed to help the sauce stick.

For a finishing touch, sprinkle chopped parsley or grated cheese on top for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 5 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 fresh cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
• 24 oz canned tomatoes
• Chopped parsley or grated cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds.
4. Stir in canned tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Drain the pasta and add to the sauce, mixing well.
6. Garnish with parsley or cheese, if desired. Enjoy!

3) Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic pasta dish that is creamy and delicious. It’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. You can make it quickly with just a few ingredients.

To start, cook your fettuccine noodles according to the package directions. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes.

While the pasta cooks, melt butter and cream in a saucepan over medium heat.

Once the butter is melted, add grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and the sauce is smooth. You can season it with salt and pepper to taste.

When the pasta is ready, drain it and mix it with the sauce right away.

Serve your Fettuccine Alfredo hot, topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fettuccine noodles
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook fettuccine noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and cream over medium heat.
3. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Drain pasta and mix with the sauce immediately.

4) Linguine with Clam Sauce

Linguine with clam sauce is a delicious and quick dish you can prepare on busy nights. The combination of tender clams and garlic in a light sauce makes it a favorite among pasta lovers.

To start, cook your linguine in boiling salted water until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes.

As the pasta cooks, you can prepare the sauce in a separate pan.

Sauté some garlic in olive oil, and then add canned clams along with their juice. Stir in some parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper for flavor.

After the linguine is cooked, drain it and toss it with the clam sauce for a tasty finish.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces linguine
• 2 cans of baby clams
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil salted water in a large pot.
2. Cook the linguine for 10 to 12 minutes.
3. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
4. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Add the clams and their juice.
6. Stir in oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper.
7. Drain the linguine and combine it with the sauce.
8. Serve warm.

5) Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a simple and delicious pasta dish that’s perfect for any family meal. It features hearty ziti noodles combined with a rich meat sauce and lots of cheese.

You’ll love how easy it is to prepare. First, cook your pasta until it’s al dente. Then, mix it with ground beef, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese.

Layer it all in a baking dish, top it with mozzarella cheese, and then bake it until bubbly.

This dish is not only tasty, but it also freezes well. You can make it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you need a quick dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ziti noodles
• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
• 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce
• 1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (240 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti noodles according to the package instructions.
3. In a skillet, brown the ground beef and season it with salt and pepper.
4. Mix the cooked noodles, beef, marinara sauce, and ricotta in a large bowl.
5. Spread half the mixture in a baking dish and sprinkle with half the mozzarella.
6. Add the remaining mixture and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

6) Pesto Pasta

Pesto pasta is a simple and delicious dish you can make quickly. It combines the fresh flavors of basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss.

To make pesto pasta, start by boiling your favorite pasta in salted water. While the pasta cooks, you can prepare the pesto sauce.

Blend fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth.

Once your pasta is cooked, drain it and toss it with the pesto. You can also save a little pasta water to help mix everything. This adds flavor and prevents the pasta from being dry.

For extra taste, add some cherry tomatoes or additional cheese on top.

Ingredients

• 12 oz dry pasta
• 3 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 medium garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil salted water in a large pot.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a blender, combine basil, garlic, pine nuts, and cheese.
4. Blend while slowly adding olive oil until smooth.
5. Drain pasta and mix with pesto, adding pasta water if needed.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese or tomatoes.

7) Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that many people love. It’s simple to make and can be customized to your taste.

To start, cook the elbow macaroni in boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour to make a roux, then slowly whisk in milk.

Once the mixture thickens, stir in your choice of cheeses. Cheddar is the favorite, but feel free to mix in Gouda or Monterey Jack for extra flavor.

Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta.

Pour everything into a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. You can add breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy texture.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheese (like cheddar)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: breadcrumbs for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook macaroni in boiling water until al dente, then drain.
2. In a pot, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add flour and whisk, then slowly pour in milk.
4. Stir until thickened, then add cheese and mix.
5. Combine cheese sauce with the pasta.
6. Pour into a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs if desired.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.

8) Lasagna Bolognese

Lasagna Bolognese is a classic Italian dish known for its rich flavors and hearty texture. This dish features layers of fresh pasta, savory Bolognese sauce, and creamy béchamel.

To make it, start with fresh egg noodles. Then, create a flavorful Bolognese sauce with ground meat, tomatoes, and aromatics. The béchamel sauce adds a smooth, creamy contrast that ties all the layers together.

When baked, the lasagna becomes bubbly and golden on top. Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes that many people love. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

• Fresh lasagna noodles
• 2 cups Bolognese sauce
• 2 cups béchamel sauce
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce in a baking dish.
3. Layer noodles on top, followed by béchamel sauce.
4. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up.
5. Finish with béchamel and Parmesan on top.
6. Bake for about 45 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy your meal!

9) Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e Pepe is a classic Italian pasta dish that is simple yet delicious. It uses just a few ingredients: pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, and freshly ground black pepper. This dish hails from Rome and is loved for its creamy texture and rich flavor.

Start by boiling your pasta in well-salted water. It’s best to use a long pasta like spaghetti or bucatini. As the pasta cooks, you can prepare the sauce in a skillet. Melt some butter and add cracked pepper to release its aroma.

When the pasta is al dente, reserve some cooking water before draining. Combine the hot pasta with the peppered butter and slowly add grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Mix until creamy, adding reserved pasta water as needed to get the perfect consistency.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti or bucatini
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of well-salted water.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a skillet, melt butter and add pepper; stir for 1 minute.
4. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
5. Add drained pasta to the skillet.
6. Gradually mix in the cheese and reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.

10) Tortellini Soup

Tortellini soup is a comforting and delicious dish. It’s perfect for chilly days when you want something warm. The cheese-filled tortellini pairs well with a rich broth.

You can make it with homemade chicken broth or store-bought for convenience. Adding fresh vegetables like carrots and spinach boosts the flavor and nutrition.

Season it with herbs such as parsley or thyme to enhance the taste. In just a short time, you can have a hearty meal ready to enjoy with family or friends.

Ingredients

• 1 package of tortellini (cheese or meat)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic until they turn soft.
3. Add the carrots and cook for a few minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
5. Stir in the tortellini and cook according to package instructions.
6. Add the spinach and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.